Akiem Hicks leaves Patriots for Bears, agreeing to 2-year deal

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 13: Chris Polk #22 of the Houston Texans is tackled by Akiem Hicks #72 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter on December 13, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The 6-foot-5, 324-pound Hicks has made 33 starts in 61 games in four seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2012-15) and New England Patriots (2015). He has 140 tackles, 9 1/2 sacks, 22 tackles for losses, 23 quarterback hits, a forced fumble and an a fumble recovery for a touchdown. In four postseason games, he has 10 tackles.

Bears general manager Ryan Pace was in New Orleans' front office in 2012 when the Saints drafted Hicks in the third round out of the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.